Monday, 16 January, is Blue Monday. According to British psychologist Cliff Arnall, it is the most depressing day of the year. The holidays are over, they cost quite a lot of money, good intentions are off the table again, the daily grind kicks in, it is cold and dark outside and summer holidays are nowhere in sight. Plenty of ingredients to be not quite in your mood. Hopefully, these five tips will give you a mental boost and that smile will appear on your face again!
Start the day with a moment to yourself
You press the snooze button one more time before getting up with great difficulty. It's still so dark, buhhh no sense and tired. And then having to do everything fast-fast. Recognisable? Often, you start the day in a hurry and let the morning drag you straight into the hustle and bustle of the day. What if you set the alarm a little earlier and start the day with a relaxing moment for yourself? Take a nice (short) hot shower and exfoliate your skin. Or lubricate yourself with a lovely cream from Rituals. This is how you start your day with positive energy!
Get moving: walk and dance ’the blues away’
Did you know that exercising makes you produce the substance endorphins? And that this happy hormone reduces stress and improves your mood? Just half an hour of exercise makes a world of difference. What are you waiting for? Hup, off that sofa! ; ) Do a home workout or put on your favourite music and dance it all out! Or go outside for a walk, fresh air works wonders. Want tips and inspiration for beautiful walks through the centre of Helmond? Then drop by VVV Helmond. The team of enthusiastic VVV staff will be happy to give you advice and information. And on your way back, be sure to take home something tasty from Bakkertij ’t Bartje (for on the couch ;-)).
Fake it until you make it!
Pull out your favourite outfit and pay just a little extra attention to your make-up and hair. Take a nice face mask from the Douglas or paint your nails with nail polish from Ici Paris. You will find that you will automatically start to feel better! By the way, did you know that scent can also do a lot for your mood? For instance, putting on sunscreen can take you back in your mind to that one wonderful holiday at the beach with the sun on your face. Worth a try!
Positive vibes
Provide positive vibes. Watch a funny series or film at home that makes you laugh. Snuggle up on the couch with a blanket, a hot cup of tea and a piece of chocolate. If you prefer to watch a new comedy film, go to the cinema Pathe or to The Cacaofactory. Laughing is healthy! When you laugh, your body produces happiness hormones. With more endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, laughing makes your body more relaxed. You can also compliment a friend, colleague, teacher or smile at someone on the street. Chances are they will smile (back) at you!
Look forward to something
The dark, long days can leave you feeling hopeless. What helps is having something to look forward to. A fun activity, like a weekend away or (summer) holiday. Maybe you can plan/book this today via D-reizen. That gives an instant nice feeling, doesn't it? Soaking up the sun in summer or getting a breath of fresh air by the sea. Lovely! Need to meet new people in Helmond? Then go to the Table of 200: a cosy New Year's breakfast in the Alsace passage on 23 January from 10:00 - 12:00.
